Monkey bars, swing sets, and trampolines are some of the best outdoor play things for kids. They’ll keep the kids busy for hours and give you a chance to unwind.
A few things to keep in mind: we haven’t been to all of these Kent and East Sussex Pubs with Play Areas. But we were able to write this post with the help of parents in the area! The information was always checked to make sure it was correct, but if you think we made a mistake or have other suggestions, please let us know through the links above.
Booking ahead is always a good idea, and you might want to call the pub to make sure that their kids’ play area isn’t being used before you go. Have fun!
These are the best bars with play areas in Kent and East Sussex.
1) The Blue Anchor – Port Stanley
There is a huge garden at the Blue Anchor in Crowborough. There is a nice grassy place for kids to play on and some play equipment as well. Each summer, they have a few events that are good for the whole family. For the kids, there is live music, hog roasts, and jump castles, and there is one event just for adults.
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2) The Bull Inn at Three Leg Cross, Ticehurst
A few years ago, we found this little gem while riding our bikes around Bewl Water. To get to The Bull Inn, you have to leave the Bewl Water track and ride your bike up a pretty steep hill. It was well worth it, though! The Bull is in the small town of Three Leg Cross. It has a lovely outdoor seating area in front that looks out over a duck pond, as well as more seating and a play area for kids to the side.
There are a lot of dining tables and a big play area with slides, swings, and other things to keep them busy. We didn’t have time to eat there, but we did have a drink while the boys played. The pub’s inside looked great, too. It had a lot of personality and a funky vibe.
3) Castle Lake to Leybourne
Castle Lake in Leybourne is known as a Brewer’s Fayre Pub and has a great play area for kids outside. It also has a big indoor soft play area for wet days. If you’re in the area, you should check out Leybourne Lakes. It’s a great place for a cheap family day out. This is one of the few pubs in Kent with a play place for kids that has both indoor and outdoor toys.
4) The White House and Laddingford
The Chequers in Laddingford is a traditional “olde worldy” bar that is a little farther away. On one side of the yard are tables and a climbing frame for kids. On the other side is a fenced-in area with ponies that graze. This bar in Kent is pretty, with low beams and cute tables.
5) The Ticehurst Cherry Tree Inn
Families are welcome at the lovely Cherry Tree Inn in Ticehurst seven days a week. It has a play area outside. Everyone in the family can play in the large yard, which also has a play area with a climbing frame and swings. Two parking lots and a toy box inside the pub make it easy to get here.
6) The Compasses – Wells
This cute bar is in Tunbridge Wells’s “The Village” area, also known as “Little Mount Sion.” It faces Grove Park, which is very pretty and has a playground for kids. A drink can be taken out and walked to the park. From the pub, you can’t see the playground. A good deal can be found at The Compasses, and it’s only a short walk to The Pantiles and the pretty Calverley Grounds.
7) Cross Keys to Tunbridge Wells
The Cross Keys is on the St. John’s Road, which leads into Tunbridge Wells. It has a lovely garden at the back and a sunny greenhouse that leads out to the garden.
8) The Chequers Inn in Heaversham, which is close to Seal
The play area at the Chequers Inn in Heaversham, Sevenoaks is not very big. New owners just recently took over the pub, and we’ve been hearing great things about it.
9) The Fenn Bell Inn – Whoo
A little farther away, The Fenn Bell Inn has a zoo as well as a big yard with grassy areas for kids to play on. This is definitely one of the most unusualPubs with Play Areas I’ve seen in Kent and East Sussex…
10) The Prince and Dragon in Chipstead
This pub in Chipstead has a Beach Hut, a BBQ, and a small play area for kids at the bottom of the yard. The pub is very old, with thick wood beams and sturdy furniture. It looks like a lot of work went into turning it into a modern gastropub with subliminal food!
Eleven) The George Inn – Frant
The George Inn in Frant is a traditional village pub that is laid-back and has a lovely yard behind it. The employees are very nice and helpful, and the garden always has a variety of toys for kids to play with. It’s a great place to be on a sunny day!
There are 36 more bars in Kent and East Sussex with play areas.
12) The George Inn in Trottiscliffe
There is a great play area at the George Inn in Trottiscliffe. It has a climbing frame and a slide. There are also two bouncy houses outside in the summer, one for little kids and one for bigger kids.
13) The Goudhurst Inn in Goudhurst
The kids their friends and I had a great meal at The Goudhurst Inn the day after our wedding three years ago. We’ve been back there several times since then. There is a lovely patio area that leads to a fenced-in yard with a playhouse in the middle and other playthings to keep the kids busy. You can get a blanket if you’d rather eat on the grass, and the Summer BBQ and woodfire pizzas are great. There’s no doubt that this is one of the best Pubs with Play Areas in Kent and East Sussex.
14)The Greyhound Inn in Wadhurst
The Greyhound Inn in Wadhurst is in a garden that is very private and has a wooden climbing frame and a slide for kids. The garden is in an old coach house that dates back to 1502.
15)The Rose Came Back by Hadlow
The Rose Revived, which used to be Hadlow Bar & Grill, has a nice play place in its garden that we drive by a lot.
16) The Split House in Brenchley
A few friends have told me that The Halfway House in Brenchley is a fun, family-run bar with lots of personality. You can enjoy a family garden and a separate area for people who don’t have kids. That’s really great! The pub also takes pride in offering great real ales. Their real ale fair is a great time for the whole family and you should go.
17)The Huntsman by Eridge
As ‘quirky and real,’ Inside, The Huntsman in Eridge has board games, which is a nice touch. Outside, there is a slide and some piggies to make friends with. The Spa Valley Railway ends at Eridge Station, which is right next door. This is a great place to grab a meal with the kids.
18) The Junction Inn in Groombridge
Many times, I’ve driven by The Junction Inn but haven’t gone inside yet. Some parents have told me it’s good, though. You can take the Spa Valley Railway to get there. It starts next to Sainsbury’s Car Park in Tunbridge Wells, so you could make a day of it. Also close by is Birchden Woods, which you can read about HERE and is one of my favourite places to walk with little kids near Tunbridge Wells.
The Junction Inn has a very laid-back vibe and has a play area outside with a slide, swing, and climbing frame. There’s also a cute little playground with fences right next to the bar that you should check out…
19) The Markbeech Kentish Horse
The Kentish Horse at Markbeech near Edenbridge has a nice country feel to it. The garden is beautiful, with views of the Ashdown Forest, and there are lots of fun things for kids to play with, like swings, a slide, a small castle, bikes, trikes, and ride-on. There is also a big parking lot, and Pooh Sticks Bridge is only about 5 miles away, so families could make a day of it by going to both.
20) The Kings Head in Bessels Green
The King’s Head in Bessels Green doesn’t seem to have a play area, but it does have a nice yard with lots of places to sit and huts that you can book for a “quirky” family meal!
Make your own neon sign if you want to run a bar with a play area. You can also change the colours of the lights to decorate or sell your shop. Warm and pretty bright lights will make your play area look better for sure. There are bright electric colours everywhere, making it a great spot for kids to have fun.
There are now 26 more pubs in Kent and East Sussex with play areas.
21) The Lion – Howarth
The Lion in Farningham doesn’t have a play area, but there is a river at the bottom of the beer gardens where kids can paddle and bring their fishing nets. The pub has a lot of country charm and character. You can walk along the riverbank or go to the Farningham Woods Nature Reserve while you are there.
22) The Chiddingstone Causeway and the Little Brown Jug
A lot of people in Kent have said that The Little Brown Jug at Chiddingstone Causeway is one of their best Pubs with Play Areas. For kids, there is a play area with a treehouse and a slide, and there is lots of room to run outside. They can also rent our private huts in the yard, and in the summer they have a barbecue and smokehouse outside.
23) The Milkhouse in Sissinghurst
It’s great to see how a country pub can be turned into a beautiful, family-friendly place like The Milkhouse in Sissinghurst while still keeping its charm. Although I haven’t eaten there yet (I only looked around), I can speak for the food. There is a lovely rustic garden area with a fenced-off area for the kids, a duck pond, and the all-important outdoor oven for making fresh pizza. It’s the next place I want to visit!
24) Biggin Hill’s Old Jail
The Old Jail has a beautiful yard and a great wooden play structure. You could go to The Christmas Tree Farm first if you want to make it a family day.
25) The Nevill Crest and Gun – Eridge
The Nevill Crest & Gun is on the Eridge Road, which goes from Tunbridge Wells to Crowborough. It has a very laid-back vibe and a lot of outdoor area. Some picnic tables are far apart from each other outside, and there is a stationary tractor to keep the kids busy (at least for a while). The building is a beautiful stone home that is 500 years old and has been well taken care of.
26) Wateringbury’s North Pole Pub
I just recently learned about the North Pole Pub, and several parents who have been there have told me it’s great, which is always a good sign. There is a fenced-in play area at the back of the yard that is good for kids, and I’ve heard there is also a play area for dogs! If you want to get some fresh air, it’s also a short walk through the woods from Kings Hill.
27) Leigh’s “The Plough”
The yard at The Plough in Leigh is so pretty! That area is fenced off at the back of the pub and has lots of room for kids to run around. There is also lots of play equipment to keep them busy. Parents can really unwind in this lovely country setting. The pub has a lot of charm, and there are lots of parking spaces. The Plough is open all day (Tuesday through Friday) during the summer, and there are teas for kids after school.
28) “The Poacher and Partridge” by Tudeley
The Poacher & Partridge is one of my favourite Pubs with Play Areas in Kent. It is in the middle of the Kentish countryside, just outside the small village of Tudeley.
On the Sunday menu, you can get a traditional roast, pies made over wood fire, and a lot more. The food is delicious. They also have a great menu just for kids. While the weather is nice, you can enjoy a BBQ and take it easy at this family-friendly bar.
30) Poppy Fields in Kent
Yay! Another pub with a play place both inside and outside. We haven’t had a chance to go to Maidstone’s Poppy Fields yet, but another mum told us it was great. The bar is known for its rotisserie chicken (yum!), and the “Little Chicks” menu has some great choices.
Here are 16 more bars in Kent and East Sussex that are good for families.
31) The stop at Salehurst – Robertsbridge
The Saleshurst Halt is a cute country pub with a very pretty garden that is close to Robertsbridge. In the very pretty yard, there is also table tennis equipment and some soft play items.
32) Tunbridge Wells Sankey’s
Okay, so “The Public House” at Sankey’s doesn’t have a play area per se, but on Fridays and Saturdays, kids under 12 eat for free with any adult main meal, there’s a really chill vibe, colouring pages and pencils, board games in the beer garden, and one of the best Sunday lunches I’ve had in a while! We just recently took our kids there and had a great time. It’s written about HERE.
33) Matfield’s “The Star”
Family-friendly, The Star is a country pub in the pretty town of Matfield. If the weather is nice, the yard has a bouncy castle, a climbing frame, and lots of grass for the kids to run around in. There is also a menu just for kids, lots of high chairs, and friends and family are welcome.
34) The Vineyard – Little Lamberhurst
If you ask me, this pub is my favourite in Kent and East Sussex for having a play area. I know I shouldn’t have a choice! We’ve been to The Vineyard a lot in the past few years. In the winter, it’s cosy and full of charm, but in the summer, it really shines.
This lovely pub is great for families because it has a great yard with play equipment for kids and an outdoor bar and grill. There are also lots of places to sit outside. Also, the food is great for both adults and kids, and there’s even a menu just for toddlers.
35) The White Hart – Stitched
The White Hart in Brasted, Westerham looks like it’s worth a visit now that it’s been fixed up. There isn’t really any play equipment, but there is a large part of the yard where kids can kick a ball around and make as much noise as they want without bothering other guests…
36) Sevenoaks’ The White Hart
The White Hart in Sevenoaks, which is right at the top of Riverhill, has a beautiful yard with a play area for kids. There are many board games inside, as well as many hidden spots to find. It’s close to Knole Park, making it a great spot for lunch after seeing deer in the beautiful woods.
37) The Woolpack: Weaving
A very English bar, The Woolpack is said to be very nice. It has a lot of wooden beams and open fires and is close to the pretty town of Yalding. It sounds like one of the best pubs in Kent with play areas to keep the kids busy while the adults take a break. The yard is the place to be in the summer. Some great walks can be found in the area if you want to get some exercise after lunch.
38) The Zetland Arms – Deal, Kingsdown
The Zetland Arms is right on the beach, so it doesn’t have a typical “play area.” Instead, the beach is its playground! This restaurant is popular with both locals and tourists because it serves seafood and is only a short walk along the seafront from Deal to Kingsdown.
39) Mayfield and the Middle House
A walk through the cute town of Mayfield is a great idea. After your walk, why not get lunch at The Middle House? In the back, there is a beautiful yard with lots of tables and chairs, as well as a great place for kids to play. They have a beautiful seasonal menu, and they also serve afternoon tea.
40) New Ash Green Royal Oak
This traditional Kentish pub is run by a family and has a great play place outside for kids. The Royal Oak looks so beautiful now that it has been fixed up.
41) Mark Cross’s “The Lazy Fox”
The Lazy Fox is one of the best places for kids to hang out in the area, in my opinion. Kids can climb on a pretty big frame, and there’s lots of grassy area to run around in. You can also rent some really cool sheds that look like beach huts and sit outside in them. The gardens look out over beautiful scenery with breathtaking views, and that’s just the menu. Everyone can see the wood-fired pizzas being made in the middle of the pub. There’s also a great modern menu and a menu just for kids.
42) The George to West Malling
We love that The George is not only family-friendly, but they can also plan a walk or bike ride for you and your family. They give you a plan and directions, as well as coffee and a treat to give you energy.
43) Lingfield’s The Star
Someone told us about The Star, and it looks AMAZING for families. By pub standards, it’s a really big adventure playground for kids. There’s also a huge yard and terrace with lots of seats, and the menu sounds delicious, with a kids’ menu. It’s also not far from Godstone Farm, so it could be a great part of a fun family day.
44) The Berwick Inn in Berwick
The Berwick Inn was another bar that readers suggested. It was near Polegate on the way to Eastbourne. The garden is a good size, and in the summer, there is sometimes a bouncy house there. There is also a dining pod and a lot of outdoor seating.
45) The Ide Hill Pheasant Plucker
It’s hard to say the name of this restaurant, but The Pheasant Plucker has a playground, outdoor seating, and a kids’ menu. There are also “shacks” where you can eat outside in any weather.
46) The Sad Mare – Mereworth
The Moody Mare has a cute little yard with a climber for kids that faces Kings Hill. The menu changes with the seasons and uses foods from the area, but you can always count on bar classics, good seafood, and tasty steaks.